Mammalian glycosylation in immunity

TLDR: This Review focuses on the emerging immunological roles of the mammalian glycome, which is one of the four fundamental macromolecular components of all cells, and is highly regulated in the immune system.

Abstract: This Review discusses how the diversity of glycan structures that are produced in the secretory pathway and are displayed at the cell surface and in extracellular compartments can have both homeostatic and pathogenic effects on the development and function of the mammalian immune system. Glycosylation produces a diverse and abundant repertoire of glycans, which are collectively known as the glycome. Glycans are one of the four fundamental macromolecular components of all cells, and are highly regulated in the immune system. Their diversity reflects their multiple biological functions that encompass ligands for proteinaceous receptors known as lectins. Since the discovery that selectins and their glycan ligands are important for the regulation of leukocyte trafficking, it has been shown that additional features of the vertebrate immune system are also controlled by endogenous cellular glycosylation. This Review focuses on the emerging immunological roles of the mammalian glycome.